29-05-2025
Letter: Corrupt corporation at root of so many veterans' plights
Those who serve in the military take an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. 'Nothing easy about all this' (Reading Eagle, May 26) aptly notes that for many Vietnam veterans the domestic enemies were the most formidable.
Dow Chemical reaped huge profits and bears responsibility for years of suffering and painful deaths for veterans. The defoliant Agent Orange was sprayed directly into areas occupied by our troops. No scientific studies were required before its utilization.
As the article noted, surviving the rigors of combat was only the beginning of a tortuous existence for veterans who contracted deadly diseases. Dementia has occurred for many who were 'lucky' enough to survive until midlife. Veterans who visit long-term care facilities see the excruciating impact corporate America has had on their brothers in arms. Dow and other companies made a fortune at the expense of our troops.
Those lucky enough to come out of the jungle alive sometimes faced another impediment. Many were charged with petty offenses that resulted in a less than an honorable discharge. Only later did the reason become obvious. Veterans who received a general discharge were ineligible for health benefits when they reentered civilian life.
Vietnam presented a myriad of challenges, both foreign and domestic, for so many young Americans.
Jay N. Abramowitch
Wyomissing
